Red Lions nip Bombers
San Beda edged Jose Rizal University, 74-69, to bolster its Final Four campaign in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Filoil Ecooil Centre in San Juan City.
The Red Lions banked on the hot hands of Yukien Andrada, who registered 18 points while hauling three rebounds and dishing off two steals.
The victory improved San Beda’s record to 10-6, tying a College of St. Benilde for third to fourth places.
It came a few days after a 65-61 victory over CSB.
JRU slipped to 10-7, putting its Final Four bid in peril.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta paid tribute to the team’s fluid offensive plays that saw them break JRU’S defense time and again.
They were also extra sharp from way beyond the 3-point arc by nailing 10 three-pointers including four from Andrada.
Two other San Beda players – Jomel Puno and Jacob Cortez – scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Andrada made his move in the third quarter when he dropped ninepoints in that critical span when San Beda parried every attempt by JRU in turning things around in its favor.
In the fourth period, Andrada was also a significant piece as he had five points there when the Lions relied on a double-digit cushion in fending off the Bombers’ one last attempt to steal the game.
The Bombers made a final push and pulled within three, 69-66, with 1:26 left in the game, but it proved to be the closest they can as San Beda made crucial plays to finally prevail.
JL Delos Santos had 15 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and five blocks while Shawn Argente added 15 points for the Heavy Bombers.
The Scores
SAN BEDA 74 –Andrada 18, Puno 13, Cortez 12, Payosing 12, Gonzales 6, Alfaro 6, Royo 3, Jopia 2, Visser 2, Cuntapay 0, Tagle 0,
JRU 69 – Delos Santos 15, Argente 15, Guiab 10, Dela Rosa 10, Dionisio 7, Miranda 6, Medina 2, Sarmiento 2, De Leon 2, Arenal 0, Sy 0, Ramos 0, Pabico 0, Mosqueda 0
Quarters: 20-16, 41-35, 59-51, 74-69.